Senior Communications & Media Officer in Coventry

This is one of the most exciting roles in public sector media relations and will put you at the heart of an organisation at the cutting edge of English devolution. Over the past decade, Greater Manchester has become the UK's fastest growing city region, with annual growth and productivity outpacing the national average. Now we’re ready to deliver a new model of economic growth, where every part of the city region is growing and no one and no place is left behind.

You’ll play an important role as part of a talented team making headlines in regional, national and international media. An average week in the News and Media Team is fast‑paced and varied from organising press conferences for the Mayor and responding to media enquiries, to securing high‑impact coverage for our pioneering policies and providing sound media advice on complex reputational issues. You’ll also provide media support to Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, one of the UK’s largest and busiest fire services. You’ll join a high‑performing team with a wide range of backgrounds and experience. Working closely with the Media Manager and colleagues across the organisation, you’ll help to uncover and tell stories about the work we’re doing to create a thriving city region where everyone can live a good life.

About You

You’ll have excellent writing and storytelling skills, and experience of communicating complex policy issues in clear and compelling English. You’ll have great judgment and attention to detail, with an eye for opportunities and reputational risks. You’ll also know how to tailor a story to different outlets and platforms, understanding what works for print, online, broadcast, and social media. You’ll have a good understanding of how the local, regional and national media work, with experience gained in a press office or newsroom. You’ll understand what Greater Manchester Combined Authority does and the role of the Mayor, and how we work with partners and stakeholders at both a local and national level. You’ll be able to manage competing priorities, working on both short‑term reactive tasks and longer‑term proactive projects.

If you have any questions, or would like to discuss the role further, please email [email protected]

About Us

As an employer, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) is made up of a number of key Greater Manchester strategic functions and service providers including Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS), Waste and Resources, Environment, Work and Skills, Research, Public Sector Reform, Police, Crime and Criminal Justice, Homelessness, the Greater Manchester Ageing Hub and the Commissioning Hub. We value the diversity of our employees, and aim to recruit a workforce which reflects our diverse communities across Greater Manchester. We encourage applications from all suitably qualified individuals, irrespective of people’s age, disability, Trans status and Non‑binary identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We have guidance in place to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process, including the consideration of reasonable adjustments for people who have a disability.

Hybrid working

This role is part of GMCA’s hybrid working scheme. As part of our commitment to Build Back Fairer in Greater Manchester following the COVID‑19 pandemic, we have evolved our management methods by trusting and empowering staff to deliver their work in the best way that suits the business and their individual needs, and supports health and wellbeing. Our hybrid working policy sets out a flexible approach, combining attendance at our Manchester city centre office / Fire and Rescue Service HQ in Swinton / other location with remote working, typically from home; the location of work is primarily dictated by the needs of the business: Do what is right for you and the business on that day. If appointed to the role you will work with your manager to agree and regularly review the best working pattern for you, your team and your work.